The Border Bulldogs have been bolstered by the return of captain Siya Mdaka from injury ahead of the crucial semifinal encounter with Down Touch Griffons tomorrow.
Mdaka returns to number seven in the Border starting 15, having missed the previous two matches due to injury.
Bulldogs coach Elliot Fana described Mdaka’s return as a major boost to his side ahead of their must-win semi-final.
According to Fana, Mdaka’s influential leadership skills alone will go a long way in inspiring his side to a positive result.
This more so because Border will have two tried and tested leaders on the pitch – Mdaka and loose head prop Blake Kyd.
Siya returns to the leadership role that Kyd executed with perfection during his absence.
In fact, it is worth noting that it was during this period as stand-in captain that Kyd unleashed his best form yet, especially in the 31-24 victory over South Western Districts Eagles just more than a week ago.
Fana said the return of Mdaka would be a bonus to the great work Kyd has been doing.
“Siya Mdaka and Blake Kyd complement each other so well in terms of personality attributes such as leadership,” said Fana.
“Kyd has been doing so well in the absence of Mdaka and the results speak for themselves but the latter as well has got his own X-factor and brings a different dimension.
“Therefore to have them both on the field is a huge plus for us in terms of leadership and we can only hope that it works for us come Friday night.”
As Mdaka returns, Billy Dutton, who filled in the gap, drops to the bench.
But that is not the only change from the previous match but a wholesale other changes have been effected for the now or never last four clash.
Masixole Banda moves from flyhalf back to his traditional position of fullback, making way for Oliver Zono at number 10.
Lunga Dumezweni comes back at left centre to replace Sipho Tom who starts from the bench.
Blake Kyd moves back to loose head prop as Johannes Jonker return at tight head while Mihlali Mpafi will replace Mbeko Kota as hooker with Lindo Welemu in for Athenkosi Khethani at Number four.
Bulldogs starting 15:
15 Banda Masixole, 14 Nofemele Siphosenkosi, 13 Ralarala Lundi, 12 Lunga Dumezweni, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Oliver Zono, 9 Bangi Kobese, 8 Johannes Janse van Rensburg, 7 Siya Mdaka, 6 Onke Dubase, 5 Hendri Storm, 4 Lindokuhle Welemu, 3 Johannes Jonker, 2 Mihlali Mpafi and 1 Blake Kyd
The bench:
16 Mbeko Kota, 17 Siya Ngande, 18 Billy Dutton, 19 Lukhanyo Nomzanga, 20 Sino Nyoka, 21 Sipho Tom, 22 Sobz Mqalo
Mdaka’s return timely boost for Bulldogs
Mdaka returns to number seven in the Border starting 15, having missed the previous two matches due to injury.
Bulldogs coach Elliot Fana described Mdaka’s return as a major boost to his side ahead of their must-win semi-final.
According to Fana, Mdaka’s influential leadership skills alone will go a long way in inspiring his side to a positive result.
This more so because Border will have two tried and tested leaders on the pitch – Mdaka and loose head prop Blake Kyd.
Siya returns to the leadership role that Kyd executed with perfection during his absence.
In fact, it is worth noting that it was during this period as stand-in captain that Kyd unleashed his best form yet, especially in the 31-24 victory over South Western Districts Eagles just more than a week ago.
Fana said the return of Mdaka would be a bonus to the great work Kyd has been doing.
“Siya Mdaka and Blake Kyd complement each other so well in terms of personality attributes such as leadership,” said Fana.
“Kyd has been doing so well in the absence of Mdaka and the results speak for themselves but the latter as well has got his own X-factor and brings a different dimension.
“Therefore to have them both on the field is a huge plus for us in terms of leadership and we can only hope that it works for us come Friday night.”
As Mdaka returns, Billy Dutton, who filled in the gap, drops to the bench.
But that is not the only change from the previous match but a wholesale other changes have been effected for the now or never last four clash.
Masixole Banda moves from flyhalf back to his traditional position of fullback, making way for Oliver Zono at number 10.
Lunga Dumezweni comes back at left centre to replace Sipho Tom who starts from the bench.
Blake Kyd moves back to loose head prop as Johannes Jonker return at tight head while Mihlali Mpafi will replace Mbeko Kota as hooker with Lindo Welemu in for Athenkosi Khethani at Number four.
Bulldogs starting 15:
15 Banda Masixole, 14 Nofemele Siphosenkosi, 13 Ralarala Lundi, 12 Lunga Dumezweni, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Oliver Zono, 9 Bangi Kobese, 8 Johannes Janse van Rensburg, 7 Siya Mdaka, 6 Onke Dubase, 5 Hendri Storm, 4 Lindokuhle Welemu, 3 Johannes Jonker, 2 Mihlali Mpafi and 1 Blake Kyd
The bench:
16 Mbeko Kota, 17 Siya Ngande, 18 Billy Dutton, 19 Lukhanyo Nomzanga, 20 Sino Nyoka, 21 Sipho Tom, 22 Sobz Mqalo
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos